X Report 2 Oct 2025
Today's briefing covers Starlink's role in disaster recovery in the Philippines, insights into the evolving direct-to-device market, and news of European plans for a reusable upper stage rocket inspired by SpaceX's Starship.
STARLINK-2139 (48554)
COSPAR: 2021-041B | Alt Name: Starlink 2139
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48554
International Designator
2021-041B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 13:36:45 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
307.58°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
92.73°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2139
Alternative Name
Starlink 2139
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48554U 21041B 26184.56719850 -.00000157 00000-0 67122-5 0 9993
2 48554 53.1602 307.5753 0001248 92.7297 267.3848 15.31698633283035
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-2139 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-041B) is a Starlink model launched on May 15, 2021, from the LC39A launch pad at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms and its launch mass was 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (few prototypes), it operates for communication purposes. It uses solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters as its motor. The satellite's shape is described as box + pan, manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.2
Diameter
2.8
Span
9
Dry Mass
248
Launch Mass
260
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink V1.0-L26-02
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Krypton ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka-band payload (all), optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes)
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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